Broadcasters benefit from AP’s live video initiative

The Associated Press (AP) has announced an expansion of its live video content offering for broadcasters. Besides AP Direct, which was introduced in 2013, broadcasters can also access three additional live content streams from AP Video Hub. Previously only available to digital publishers, the three streams will offer a range of scheduled live global and regional events on top of breaking news. This will enable extended coverage of live news for broadcasters, as well as a wider choice of additional content.

“The needs of broadcasters continue to change along with the audiences they serve,” said Derl McCrudden, head of international video news for AP. “Not only do they now have more television channels to fill, but many of them also have a digital offering, reaching consumers across several platforms. The changes will allow them to offer variety and add value to their audiences however they are viewing.”

Audiences expect live video coverage on multiple devices and platforms, and in addition to breaking and key news events they also want to see political, cultural and religious events, red carpet coverage, product launches, technology shows, sports news and more. To ensure that its customers are well equipped to meet this demand, AP is also investing in additional live newsgathering capacity.

“AP revolutionised how live content was delivered to broadcasters when it launched AP Direct in 2003,” concluded McCrudden. “Since then we have continued to strengthen our offering across the board, working closely with customers and responding to their needs wherever possible. Live video is clearly playing a significant role in broadcasters’ strategies and the latest changes help strengthen their ability to retain and attract audiences across all their platforms.”

McCrudden added: “We’ve already increased our AP Direct output by nearly 50 per cent in the last two years. However, while we will be increasing the volume further still, this is about offering broadcasters a much broader choice and the ability to offer live content genres that go much wider than simply news.”

These changes are part of a broader initiative by AP, which will implement ongoing changes to its video offering. As part of this effort, AP plans to switch off its Global Video Wire at the end of March 2016, moving all customers to digital delivery ahead of that time.